Course and laboratory work in astronomy explores the physical and observational background of such topics as the history of astronomy, naked eye observations, the planets and moons, the origin of the solar system, stellar classification, stellar evolution, galactic astronomy, and cosmology, with an emphasis on the quantitative nature of modern astronomy.

Why Isn't God Ambidextrous?

Seminar

Date:

Friday, January 24, 2014

Time:

3:30 PM

Location:

Olin 114

Professor Timothy Gay, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, presents a talk on chirality (“handedness”) in nature.

Abstract: Until 1957, scientists thought that the fundamental laws of Nature must be the same whether they were applied to our Universe or the Universe that is a mirror reflection of our own. The implications of the discovery that this is not true – essentially that Nature is “handed” – will be discussed. Some interesting applications of handedness, or “chirality” in agriculture, biology, chemistry, and physics will be presented. I will also talk about some new physics experiments on chirality that may shed light on how life began on this planet.

One of the things that excites me most about Physics is our continuing struggle to develop a better understanding of how the world works at a fundamental level. We Physicists also work to apply that understanding to complex, real world problems. For me, one of the great pleasures of Physics is finding creative ways to address these challenges. I enjoy teaching Physics and Astronomy at all levels in our curriculum.